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Known for over a century, seed transmission of plant viruses promotes trans-continental virus dissemination and provides the source of infection to trigger devastating disease epidemics in crops. However, it remains unknown whether there is a genetically defined immune pathway to suppress virus vertical transmission in plants. Here, we demonstrate potent immunosuppression of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) seed transmission in its natural host Arabidopsis thaliana by antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals predominant embryo infection at four stages of embryo development. We show that antiviral RNAi confers resistance to seed infection with different genetic requirements and drastically enhanced potency compared with the inhibition of systemic infection of whole plants. Moreover, we detect efficient seed transmission of a mutant CMV lacking its RNAi suppressor gene in mutant plants defective in antiviral RNAi, providing further support for the immunosuppression of seed transmission by antiviral RNAi. [Display omitted] • Antiviral RNAi inhibits seed transmission of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in natural host • Antiviral RNAi confers resistance to seed infection by CMV in A. thaliana • Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals predominant embryo invasion in developing seed • CMV 2b protein antagonizes RNAi-mediated immunosuppression of seed transmission Little is known about the genetic mechanism that regulates virus vertical transmission in plants. Liu and Ding reveal strong immunosuppression of seed transmission of two distinct positive-strand RNA viruses in their native hosts by an antiviral RNAi pathway that more potently suppresses infection of seeds than whole plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary metabolites made by plants and used through their metabolic routes are today's most reliable and cost-effective way to make pharmaceuticals and improve health. The concept of genetic engineering is used for molecular pharming. As more people use plants as sources of nanotechnology systems, they are adding to this. These systems are made up of viruses-like particles (VLPs) and virus nanoparticles (VNPs). Due to their superior ability to be used as plant virus expression vectors, plant viruses are becoming more popular in pharmaceuticals. This has opened the door for them to be used in research, such as the production of medicinal peptides, antibodies, and other heterologous protein complexes. This is because biotechnological approaches have been linked with new bioinformatics tools. Because of the rise of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, it has become easier to use metagenomic studies to look for plant virus genomes that could be used in pharmaceutical research. A look at how bioinformatics can be used in pharmaceutical research is also covered in this article. It also talks about plant viruses and how new biotechnological tools and procedures have made progress in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) has significantly hampered chili (Capsicum spp.) production, presenting a formidable challenge in Pakistan. During a chili field survey in 2018, distinct symptoms, including stunted growth, yellowing, and severe leaf curling, were observed on several plants. Subsequently, a comprehensive sampling effort was undertaken, collecting a total of 39 symptomatic samples from diverse locations across Multan, Punjab. The DNA extraction from these samples was conducted at the plant virology laboratory at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, marking a crucial step in the investigation of this debilitating disease and its impact on chili production in the region. Molecular analysis with PCR using Av/Ac Core, Beta 01/02, and CLCuMuBF11/R33 primers confirmed begomovirus infection in chili plants. Positive amplification demonstrated a 71.79% infection rate, with 579 bp, 1.4 kb, and 481 bp amplicons for Av/Ac Core, Beta 01/02, and CLCuMuBF11/R33, respectively. Sequencing identified cotton leaf curl Multan beta-satellite (MT668934) infecting the chili plant. Effectively managing these begomoviruses is crucial to curbing their multiplication and protecting vital crops like chili. Addressing the distributions of beta-satellites in agricultural fields, particularly chili, is imperative to prevent further viral spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The quick and accurate identification of viruses is essential for plant disease management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology may allow the discovery, detection, and identification of plant pathogens. This study adopted RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology to explore the viruses in three potato plants (S3, S4, and S6) growing under field conditions. Results Potato-known infecting viruses, such as alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), potato leafroll virus (PLRV), and potato virus Y (PVY), were identified using bioinformatics programs and validated using RT-PCR. The presence of these potato viruses was also confirmed by visual inspection of host symptoms. In addition, the nearly complete genome of PLRV and the complete or partial genome sequence of multipartite virus segments have been identified. Besides the three major potato viruses that BLASTn analysis revealed were present in our samples, BLASTx analysis revealed some reads are derived from other potato viruses, such as potato virus V (PVV), Andean potato latent virus (APLV), and tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), which are not frequently reported in potato field screenings in Egypt. Other microbial agents, such as bacteria and fungi, were also identified in the examined sample sequences. Some mycovirus sequences derived from ourmia-like viruses and Alternaria alternata chrysovirus were also identified in sample S4, confirming the complexity of the potato microbiome under field conditions. Conclusion NGS quickly and accurately identifies potato plant viruses under field conditions. Implementing this technology on a larger scale is recommended to explore potato fields and imported plants, where symptoms may be absent, unspecific, or only triggered under certain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has posed significant financial threats to the domestic pig industry over the last three decades in South Korea. PEDV infection will mostly result in endemic persistence in the affected farrow-to-finish (FTF) herds, leading to endemic porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) followed by year-round recurrent outbreaks. This review aims to encourage collaboration among swine producers, veterinarians, and researchers to offer answers that strengthen our understanding of PEDV in efforts to prevent and control endemic PED and to prepare for the next epidemics or pandemics. We found that collaboratively implementing a PED risk assessment and customized four-pillar-based control measures is vital to interrupt the chain of endemic PED in affected herds: the former can identify on-farm risk factors while the latter aims to compensate for or improve weaknesses via herd immunity stabilization and virus elimination. Under endemic PED, long-term virus survival in slurry and asymptomatically infected gilts (“Trojan Pigs”) that can transmit the virus to farrowing houses are key challenges for PEDV eradication in FTF farms and highlight the necessity for active monitoring and surveillance of the virus in herds and their environments. This paper underlines the current knowledge of molecular epidemiology and commercially available vaccines, as well as the risk assessment and customized strategies to control PEDV. The intervention measures for stabilizing herd immunity and eliminating virus circulation may be the cornerstone of establishing regional or national PED eradication programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigate the optimal strategies to limit cell infections and virus production at low cost in a mathematical virus model for Covid-19 with inflammatory response. We consider treatment and introduce two intervention control parameters: u 1 for the drug therapy efficacy in preventing new infections, and u 2 for the drug therapy efficacy in inhibiting viral production (with 0 ⩽ u 1 , u 2 ⩽ 1). We fully analyse the optimal control problem and establish the existence and uniqueness of the optimal solution. Moreover, we show that the optimal control is not only measurable, but is also continuous. Our numerical illustrations show how therapy can overturn a lethal infection state into a survivable stage, and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the cause of a liver disease hepatitis E. The translation product of HEV ORF2 has recently been demonstrated as a protein involved in multiple functions besides performing its major role of a viral capsid. As intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are linked to various essential roles in the virus's life cycle, we analyzed the disorder pattern distribution of the retrieved ORF2 protein sequences by employing different online predictors. Our findings might provide some clues on the disorder-based functions of ORF2 protein that possibly help us in understanding its behavior other than as a HEV capsid protein. Results: The modeled three dimensional (3D) structures of ORF2 showed the predominance of random coils or unstructured regions in addition to major secondary structure components (alpha helix and beta strand). After initial scrutinization, the predictors VLXT and VSL2 predicted ORF2 as a highly disordered protein while the predictors VL3 and DISOPRED3 predicted ORF2 as a moderately disordered protein, thus categorizing HEV-ORF2 into IDP (intrinsically disordered protein) or IDPR (intrinsically disordered protein region) respectively. Thus, our initial predicted disorderness in ORF2 protein 3D structures was in excellent agreement with their predicted disorder distribution patterns (evaluated through different predictors). The abundance of MoRFs (disorder-based protein binding sites) in ORF2 was observed that signified their interaction with binding partners which might further assist in viral infection. As IDPs/IDPRs are targets of regulation, we carried out the phosphorylation analysis to reveal the presence of post-translationally modified sites. Prevalence of several disordered-based phosphorylation sites further signified the involvement of ORF2 in diverse and significant biological processes. Furthermore, ORF2 structure-associated functions revealed its involvement in several crucial functions and biological processes like binding and catalytic activities. Conclusions: The results predicted ORF2 as a protein with multiple functions besides its role as a capsid protein. Moreover, the occurrence of IDPR/IDP in ORF2 protein suggests that its disordered region might serve as novel drug targets via functioning as potential interacting domains. Our data collectively might provide significant implication in HEV vaccine search as disorderness in viral proteins is related to mechanisms involved in immune evasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest control methods that can target pest species with limited environmental impacts are a conservation and economic priority. Species‐specific pest control using RNA interference is a challenging but promising avenue in developing the next generation of pest management. We investigate the feasibility of manipulating a biological invader's immune system using double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) in order to increase susceptibility to naturally occurring pathogens. We used the invasive Argentine ant as a model, targeting the immunity‐associated genes Spaetzle and Dicer‐1 with dsRNA. We show that feeding with Spaetzle dsRNA can result in partial target gene silencing for up to 28 days in the laboratory and 5 days in the field. Dicer‐1 dsRNA only resulted in partial gene knockdown after 2 days in the laboratory. Double‐stranded RNA treatments were associated with significant gene expression disruptions across immune pathways in the laboratory and to a lower extent in the field. In total, 12 viruses and four bacteria were found in these ant populations. Some changes in viral loads in dsRNA‐treated groups were observed. For example, Linepithema humile Polycipivirus 2 (LhuPCV2) loads increased after 2 days of treatment with Spaetzle and Dicer‐1 dsRNA treatments in the laboratory. After treatment with the dsRNA in the field, after 5 days the virus Linepithema humile toti‐like virus 1 (LhuTLV1) was significantly more abundant. However, immune pathway disruption did not result in a consistent increase in microbial infections, nor did it alter ant abundance in the field. Some viruses even declined in abundance after dsRNA treatment. Our study explored the feasibility of lowering a pest's immunity as a control tool. We demonstrate that it is possible to alter immune gene expression of pest species and pathogen loads, although in our specific system the affected pathogens did not appear to influence pest abundance. We provide suggestions on future directions for dsRNA‐mediated immune disruption in pest species, including potential avenues to improve dsRNA delivery as well as the importance of pest and pathogen biology. Double‐stranded RNA targeting immune function might be especially useful for pest control in systems in which viruses or other microorganisms are prevalent and have the potential to be pathogenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of sudden viral outbreaks, including (Covid-19, H1N1 flu, H5N1 flu) has globally challenged the existing medical facilities and raised critical concerns about saving affected lives, especially during pandemics. The detection of viral infections at an early stage using biosensors has been proven to be the most effective, economical, and rapid way to combat their outbreak and severity. However, state-of-the-art biosensors possess bottlenecks of long detection time, delayed stage detection, and sophisticated requirements increasing the cost and complexities of biosensing strategies. Recently, using two-dimensional MXenes as a sensing material for architecting biosensors has been touted as game-changing technology in diagnosing viral diseases. The unique surface chemistries with abundant functional terminals, excellent conductivity, tunable electric and optical attributes and high specific surface area have made MXenes an ideal material for architecting virus-diagnosing biosensors. There are numerous detecting modules in MXene-based virus-detecting biosensors based on the principle of detecting various biomolecules like viruses, enzymes, antibodies, proteins, and nucleic acid. This comprehensive review critically summarizes the state-of-the-art MXenebased virus-detecting biosensors, their limitations, potential solutions, and advanced intelligent prospects with the integration of internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, 5G communications, and cloud computing technologies. It will provide a fundamental structure for future research dedicated to intelligent and point-of-care virus detection biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 recombinant enterovirus G (EV-G), which carries the papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP) gene of torovirus between its 2C/3A regions, and type 2 recombinant EV-G, which carries the torovirus PLCP gene with its flanking regions having non-EV-G sequences in place of the viral structural genes, have been detected in pig farms in several countries. In a previous study, we collected 222 fecal samples from 77 pig farms from 2104 to 2016 and detected one type 2 recombinant EV-G genome by metagenomics sequencing. In this study, we reanalyzed the metagenomic data and detected 11 type 2 recombinant EV-G genomes. In addition, we discovered new type 2 recombinant EV-G genomes of the two strains from two pig farms samples in 2018 and 2019. Thus, we identified the genomes of 13 novel type 2 recombinant EV-Gs isolated from several pig farms in Japan. Type 2 recombinant EV-G has previously been detected only in neonatal piglets. The present findings suggest that type 2 recombinant EV-G replicates in weaning piglets and sows. The detection of type 1 recombinant EV-Gs and type 2 recombinant EV-Gs at 3-year and 2-year intervals, respectively, from the same pig farm suggests that the viruses were persistently infecting or circulating in these farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects domestic and wild cats around the world. FeLV infection is associated with the development of neoplasms, bone marrow disorders and immunosuppression. Viral subgroups arise from mutations in the FeLV genome or from recombination of FeLV with ancestral endogenous retroviruses in the cat genome. The retroviral endogenisation process has allowed generation of a diversity of endogenous viruses, both functional and defective. These elements may be part of the normal functioning of the feline genome and may also interact with FeLV to form recombinant FeLV subgroups, enhance pathogenicity of viral subgroups, or inhibit and/or regulate other retroviral infections. Recombination of the env gene occurs most frequently and appears to be the most significant in terms of both the quantity and diversification of pathogenic effects in the viral population, as well as affecting cell tropism and types of disease that occur in infected cats. This review focuses on available information regarding genetic diversity, pathogenesis and diagnosis of FeLV as a result of the interaction between endogenous and exogenous viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black tea extracts (BTEs) from four different production areas showed a higher aggregation strength for phosphatidylcholine-based liposomes containing cholesterol used as a viral membrane model. Furthermore, the anti-influenza A virus (IAV) activity of each BTE in vitro demonstrated that although Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Assam had higher anti-IAV activities, Darjeeling had a lower anti-IAV activity, showing a correlation between each BTE and the liposome aggregation strength. Moreover, the antiviral activity strength of BTEs was consistent with the antioxidant activity strength of BTEs, suggesting that the component(s) in black tea that exhibits antioxidant activity would also be the component(s) that accounts for its antiviral activity. Thus, our results propose that BTEs exert their antiviral effects by binding not only hemagglutinin and neuraminidase but also viral membranes directly, especially "cholesterol-rich lipid rafts" and affect the membrane structure, causing the virus to aggregate, thereby inhibiting infection of the host cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the significance of omics technology and Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for epidemic preparedness. This study investigates the virosphere in wastewater samples from Natal (Brazil), aiming to understand its structure, relationships, and potential. Metaviromic analysis was used on DNA and RNA from weekly samples collected over a year (June/2021 to May/2022) from three wastewater treatment plants. The virosphere showed stability, particularly in viruses infecting microorganisms and plants. However, an alternation of representatives of viruses that infect animals has been observed. Among the most abundant viruses infecting microorganisms are genera associated with the bacterial genera Escherichia , Pseudomonas, and Caulobacte. Regarding the viruses infecting plants, Sobemovirus and Tobamovirus are the most abundant genera. Odontoglossum ringspot virus was identified as a possible RNA virus biomarker. Among DNA viruses infecting animals, genera Bocaparvovirus and Mastadenovirus are the most prevalent. Intriguingly, some Poxviridae family members were observed in the samples. Co-occurrence network analysis identified potential biomarkers like Volepox virus , Anatid herpesvirus 1 , and Caviid herpesvirus 2. Among RNA viruses affecting animals, Mamastrovirus , Rotavirus, and Norovirus genera were the most abundant pathogens. Furthermore, members of the Coronaviridae family exhibited a high degree of centrality values in the co-occurrence network, even connecting with unclassified viruses. The study emphasizes the importance of research in understanding the roles of unclassified viruses. In addition, we observed an association between Coronaviridae reads, rainfall, and the number of reported COVID-19 cases. Our study highlights the diversity and complexity of the viral community in wastewater and the need for research to understand better the ecological roles unclassified viruses play. Such advances will significantly contribute to our preparedness and response to future viral threats. Furthermore, our study contributes to knowledge of virosphere dynamics, offering insights that can contribute to the direction of future public health policies and interventions. [Display omitted] • The Natal, Brazil, wastewater virosphere was studied for a year during the pandemic. • Stable virus communities in microorganisms and plants were noted. • Animal-infecting viruses displayed fluctuation, with shifts in dominant groups. • SARS-CoV-2 co-occurs with unclassified and gastrointestinal viruses. • Potential pathogen biomarkers for public health policy development were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a co-staple food and a source of cash income for the smallholder farmers' in eastern Ethiopia; however, the productivity of the crop is constrained by biotic and abiotic factors. Of which viruses are considered to be major yield limiting factor, but information is lacking on the prevalence and distribution of potato viruses in major growing districts of eastern Ethiopia. This research is therefore initiated to assess and determine the status of six major and multiple potato viruses' infection at farmers' fields during the main rainy and irrigation seasons in four major potato-growing districts of eastern Ethiopia. The dot-blot assays performed for 1000 leaf samples collected from 20 farmers' fields during the two seasons indicated an overall high incidence (71.9% samples detected positive for at least one virus) of potato virus in the surveyed districts of the regions. The most prevalent (19.4%) type of infection was the mixture of all six potato viruses. Among the major viruses, the results also confirmed PVM as the most prevalent (57.3%) virus followed by PVY (48.1%), whereas PVA (45.1%), which was not commonly detected in the other regions of the country, was detected as third most prevalent virus in the current study. The comparison of the results of virus detection in the samples from two seasons indicated remarkable differences in the incidence and prevalence of viruses, where an increasing trend of virus incidence and mixed virus infections from 59 to 84.8% and 41.2 to 72%, respectively, were recorded from rainy to irrigation season. The two viruses; PVX and PVS, which were identified as least prevalent during rainy season, were ranked the 3rd and 4th most prevalent viruses after PVM and PVY during irrigation season. The detected high incidence of virus in potato plants during this first systemic research conducted suggested the importance of continuing the intensive survey and detecting the status of viruses' infection in potato growing districts of eastern Ethiopia. It is also suggested to create awareness among smallholder farmers about the management practices to reduce the effects of viruses' infection on the productivity of potato in eastern Ethiopia. • High incidence of six major potato viruses recorded in eastern Ethiopia. • Mixed infections of six viruses were most common compared to single infection. • Virus incidence and mixed infections increased from rainy to irrigation season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphis craccivora and Planococcus lilacinus are significant plant virus carriers and severe pests of legumes, fruits, and commercial crops. Inappropriate use of inorganic pesticides for the management of pests leads to resistance, detrimental to natural enemies of pests and the environment. In this study, methanolic root extract, different fractions, and isolated compounds from Thalictrum foliolosum DC were investigated for their pesticidal and enzyme inhibition potential against target pests. The findings revealed that thalidasine and berberine were most effective against A. craccivora (LD 50 = 0.43–0.47 μl/insect), followed by n -butanol fraction (LD 50 = 1.37 μl/insect). Similarly, the aqueous fraction was more promising against P. lilacinus (LD 50 = 0.24 μl/insect) as compared to jatrorrhizine and thalidasine (LD 50 = 0.60–0.64 μl/insect). Further UHPLC-PDA-based analysis revealed that chloroform fraction showed higher thalidasine (37.86 ± 0.923 mg/g) and berberine (37.76 ± 0.398 mg/g) content, whereas berberine (36.06 ± 0.045 mg/g) also quantified in dominating amount in n -butanol fraction, together with jatrorrhizine (23.74 ± 0.177 mg/g). In reproduction inhibition assay, the chloroform and methanol extract showed a higher inhibition rate at 10 000 mg/L (98.69–99.46%). Additionally, methanolic extract significantly inhibited the detoxifying enzymes (glutathione S -transferase and acetylcholinesterase) in target pests. Therefore, based on field bio efficacy data of extract/fractions and compounds, the lead (s) can be employed further for the preparation of botanical insecticide. The present finding provides the first report on simultaneous quantification of three isoquinoline alkaloids by UHPLC-PDA and the bio-insecticidal potential of T. foliolosum. [Display omitted] • Quantitative analysis of methanolic extract and fractions of T. foliolosum. • Chemical characterization of n -hexane fraction of T. foliolosum by GC-MS. • n - butanol/fractions and compounds are effective against target pests. • Methanolic extract and chloroform fraction inhibited aphid reproduction. • Methanolic extract inhibited the detoxifying enzymes (AChE and GST). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies and reports have documented the ability of the co-circulating seasonal influenza A/H1N1 (ancestor: 2009 pandemic H1N1) and A/H3N2 to exchange their genetic segments, generating a novel H1N2 strain in different geographical localities around the world with an ability to infect human. This raises concerns and triggers alarms to develop a multivalent vaccine that can protect against the documented H1- and H3-type human influenza A viruses (IAVs). Results: Here, we generated a PR8-based vaccine strain that carries the HA gene segment from the contemporary H1N1 virus while the NA gene segment was derived from a currently circulating influenza A/H3N2 strain. A recombinant PR8-based H1N2 vaccine strain (rgH1N2), engineered by reassortment between influenza A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 to mimic the documented human influenza A/H1N2, was used for immunization to provoke immunogenicity and cross-antigenicity against the H1- and H3-type human IAVs and was evaluated for its immunogenicity and effectiveness in mice. Following challenge infection of rgH1N2-vaccinated mice with contemporary influenza A/H1N1 and A/H3N2, results revealed that rgH1N2-vaccinated mice showed less viral shedding, more survival, and less body weight loss compared to control unvaccinated groups and vaccinated mice with rgH1N1 and rgH3N2. Conclusions: This study highlights the applicability of the PR8-based H1N2 vaccine strain to protect against seasonal IAVs and emphasizes the role of both surface proteins, HA and NA, to stimulate protective and neutralizing antibodies against circulating influenza A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the viral genome extraction performance of automatic nucleic acid extractors and manual nucleic acid extraction kits was compared. We showed that compared with manual kits, the automatic extractors showed superior genome extraction performance using bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) genome-positive cattle sera and bovine coronavirus/infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus-spiked cattle nasal swabs. In addition, the subgenotyping of BVDV strains detected in Tokachi Province in Japan during 2016–2017 was performed. Results showed that most of these BVDV strains belonged to subgenotype 1b, while few strains belonged to subgenotypes 1a and 2a. This study showed the high applicability of automatic nucleic acid extractors in extracting multiple viral genomes and the dominant subgenotype of BVDV in Tokachi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the novel Brazilian porcupinepox virus (BPoPV) can infect wild porcupines, its lethality and zoonotic potential are not well-established. In May 2021, a free-ranging neotropical porcupine (Coendou longicaudatus boliviensis) rescued from the natural savanna in the Brazilian Cerrado, Mato Grosso State, was presented with a lethal poxviral infection. Clinical signs and PCR detection of BPoPV supported the diagnosis. Poxviral lesions included erythema, exfoliative dermatitis, and erosions involving mainly the face, hindlimb, and vulva. Histologically, the lesions consisted of proliferative and necrotic dermatitis, intraepidermal and follicular pustules, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in keratinocytes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed BPoPV strains closely related to other rodent-infecting poxviruses. This poxviral infection resulted in the death of a specimen of C. l. boliviensis ; the effect on species conservation, and the potential of spillover into humans and other vertebrates remain unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that causes immune suppression and immunodeficiency, leading to opportunistic infections and leukemia/lymphoma in cats. Today, a variety of domestic mammals are kept in houses, and it is important to evaluate the possibility of interspecies transmission of FeLV. In this study, we assessed the infectivity of FeLV-B in ferrets that belong to Mustelidae. By pseudotype virus infection assay, we revealed that a ferret cell line, Mpf cells, is resistant to FeLV-B infection. The mRNA expression level of the FeLV-B receptor, Pit-1, was approximately half that of cat FEA cells in ferret Mpf cells. There was no significant difference in receptor usage between ferret's and cat's Pit1. These data may indicate the presence of the posttranscriptional modification and/or the restriction factor(s) against the FeLV-B infection in ferrets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) is a destructive plant virus that commonly affects crops, particularly okra, in India. The virus is transmitted by whiteflies and poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Infection with YVMV leads to distinct yellow vein patterns on leaves, stunted growth, reduced yield, and ultimately economic losses for farmers. Timely and accurate detection of YVMV is crucial for effective disease management. In this article, we present a novel method that employs advanced deep-learning models to identify YVMV-infected okra plants. The study leverages a dataset of over 2000 okra plant leaves that implements transfer learning models, including MobileNet, EfficientNet, InceptionV3, VGG19, InceptionResNetV2, and ResNet50 and recurrent neural networks (RNN) variants, including Long short-term memory (LSTM), Bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) and Gated recurrent unit (GRU). Additionally, three hybrid models, combining MobileNet with LSTM, BiLSTM, and GRU, are incorporated to capitalize on the characteristics of both MobileNet and RNNs through superior feature extraction and detection of temporal dependencies. The results demonstrate that the MobileNet model combined with all three RNNs achieves exceptional accuracy, surpassing 99.27%. Notably, the MobileNet model integrated with GRU exhibits the most optimized performance with the least loss and greatest accuracy, facilitating improved disease management strategies and aiding in the yield of crops by reducing the impact of YVMV. • Employs advanced DL models to identify YVMV-infected okra plants. • To improve YVMV diagnosis, 6 transfer learning, 4 RNN variants and TCN were used. • MobileNet-GRU Fusion is used to improve YVMV diagnosis. • MobileNet model combined with GRU provides the best performance. • Achieved an accuracy of 99.27% with minimal loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we selected rice straw, wheat straw and corn cob as raw materials to successfully prepare cobalt-nitrogen co-doped biomass-based carbon nanotubes composites (BM@CoNCNTs) with Co-N x sites highly dispersed on porous biochar carrier, which could effectively activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to remove tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in water. Particularly, BM@CoNCNTs-CC, with its confined carbon nanotubes and high-density Co-N x sites, enhanced the Co2+/Co3+ cycle and direct adsorption of PMS to generate Co(IV)=O and 1O 2 , playing a dominant role. This led to the effective disruption of TMV coat protein and degradation of its genome within 5 min, achieving up to 6 log 10 removal efficiency. Additionally, BM@CoNCNTs-CC/PMS system maintained efficient catalytic removal performance even in complex water matrices (river water and tap water). Overall, our research not only elucidates the production of efficient biomass-based catalysts for environmental remediation, but also highlights the application potential of biomass-based carbon nanotubes composites enriched with Co-N x sites. [Display omitted] • Successful synthesis of BM@CoNCTs enriched with Co-N x sites using biomass as raw material. • The Co-N x sites endows BM@CoNCNTs superb catalytic activity. • BM@CoNCNTs-CC achieves up to 6 log 10 removal of TMV within 5 min. • It is confirmed that Co(IV)=O and 1O 2 is the main active species for removal of plant viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Isothermal assay protocol was developed to detect RNA plant virus. • Improved sensitivity was achieved. • Test allows point of care diagnostic of wheat infecting pathogen. • Cost effectiveness was achieved by reducing reagents such as enzyme concentration. Wheat stripe mosaic virus (WhSMV) is a significant wheat pathogen that causes substantial yield losses in Brazil and other countries. Although several detection methods are available, reliable and efficient tools for on-site WhSMV detection are currently lacking. In this study, a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method was developed for rapid and reliable field detection of WhSMV. We designed WhSMV-specific primers for the LAMP assay and optimized reaction conditions for increased sensitivity and specificity using infected plant samples. We have developed a diagnostic method utilizing the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique capable of rapidly and reliably detecting WhSMV. The LAMP assay has been optimized to enhance sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. The LAMP assay described here represents a valuable tool for early WhSMV detection, serving to mitigate the adverse economic and social impacts of this viral pathogen. By enabling swift and accurate identification, this assay can significantly improve the sustainability of cereal production systems, safeguarding crop yields against the detrimental effects of WhSMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused lethal infections worldwide during an unprecedented pandemic. Identification of the candidate viral epitopes is the first step in the design of vaccines against the viral infection. Several immunoinformatic approaches were employed to identify the SARS-CoV-2 epitopes that bind specifically with the major histocompatibility molecules class I (MHC-I). We utilized immunoinformatic tools to analyze the whole viral protein sequences, to identify the SARS-CoV-2 epitopes responsible for binding to the most frequent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles in the Egyptian population. These alleles were also found with high frequency in other populations worldwide. Results: Molecular docking approach showed that using the co-crystallized MHC-I and T cell receptor (TCR) instead of using MHC-I structure only, significantly enhanced docking scores and stabilized the conformation, as well as the binding affinity of the identified SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Our approach directly predicts 7 potential vaccine subunits from the available SARS-CoV-2 spike and ORF1ab protein sequence. This prediction has been confirmed by published experimentally validated and in silico predicted spike epitope. On the other hand, we predicted novel epitopes (RDLPQGFSA and FCLEASFNY) showing high docking scores and antigenicity response with both MHC-I and TCR. Moreover, antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and physicochemical properties of the predicted SARS-CoV-2 epitopes were evaluated via state-of-the-art bioinformatic approaches, showing high efficacy of the proposed epitopes as a vaccine candidate. Conclusion: Our predicted SARS-CoV-2 epitopes can facilitate vaccine development to enhance the immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 and provide supportive data for further experimental validation. Our proposed molecular docking approach of exploiting both MHC and TCR structures can be used to identify potential epitopes for most microbial pathogens, provided the crystal structure of MHC co-crystallized with TCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian reoviruses have sole or partial responsibility for a wide range of conditions that are of economic concern to the poultry industries in the United States. It is difficult, however, to determine the exact cost of reoviral-induced disease to this industry for several reasons. Avian reoviruses are ubiquitous in commercial poultry operations, but vary greatly in their ability to cause disease. Many reovirus isolates are not pathogenic, and this contributes to the difficulty in determining their role in production losses or whether they are merely coincidental findings of little or no importance. Results of infection with this virus can be difficult to measure in a commercial setting, aside from morbidity, mortality, or loss of finished product in a processing plant due to condemnation or trim. The fact that there is a relatively high morbidity rate, and at the same time a low mortality rate, makes it extremely difficult to accurately estimate the economic impact of infection with this virus. Variations in the pathogenicity of the virus, the extent of infection within a flock, the blending of progeny from different breeder source flocks into a broiler house, and the lack of separation of infected birds from uninfected birds at processing makes evaluation of economic variables, such as feed conversion and weight gain, very difficult to ascertain. The broiler and turkey industries have been surveyed on the importance of this virus in their respective operations and the results will be consolidated here to consider the economic impact to the poultry industries in the United States. Incidencia e impacto económico de los reovirus en las industrias avícolas de los Estados Unidos. Los reovirus aviares tienen la responsabilidad exclusiva o parcial de una amplia gama de condiciones que son de interés económico para las industrias avícolas en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, es difícil determinar el costo exacto de la enfermedad inducida por reovirus para esta industria por varias razones. Los reovirus aviares son ubicuos en las operaciones avícolas comerciales, pero varían mucho en su capacidad para causar enfermedades. Muchos aislados de reovirus no son patógenos, y esto contribuye a la dificultad de determinar su papel en las pérdidas de producción o si son solo hallazgos incidentales de poca o ninguna importancia. Los resultados de la infección con este virus pueden ser difíciles de medir en un entorno comercial, además de la morbilidad, la mortalidad o la pérdida del producto terminado en una planta de procesamiento debido a los decomisos totales o parciales. El hecho de que exista una tasa de morbilidad relativamente alta, y al mismo tiempo una tasa de mortalidad baja (1), hace que sea extremadamente difícil estimar con precisión el impacto económico de la infección por este virus. Las variaciones en la patogenicidad del virus, el alcance de la infección dentro de una parvada, la mezcla de progenie de diferentes parvadas de origen reproductor en un galpón de pollos de engorde y la falta de separación de las aves infectadas de las no infectadas en el procesamiento hace que la evaluación de las variables económicas, como como la conversión alimenticia y la ganancia de peso, sean muy difíciles de determinar. Las industrias de pollos de engorde y pavos han sido encuestadas sobre la importancia de este virus en sus respectivas operaciones y los resultados se consolidarán en este estudio para considerar el impacto económico en las industrias avícolas en los Estados Unidos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus is a public health burden in Uganda, yet little is known about its epidemiology in pregnancy. Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Kyazanga Health Centre IV in Lwengo District, Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to June 2021 and analysed qualitative data that were collected using a structured in-person questionnaire. Aseptically collected blood specimens were screened for hepatitis B virus infection using an immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test kit. Participants who were positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were further screened for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) using commercial rapid diagnostic test kits. Results: Out of 384 pregnant women studied, eight tested positive for HBsAg. This gave a prevalence of 2.1% (95% confidence interval: 1.0% – 4.1%); 5/8 (62.5%) were positive for HBeAg. None of the variables studied were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity among pregnant women. Conclusion: Hepatitis B viral infection is still a public health challenge in pregnant women with possible risk for vertical transmission to their babies in the study area. We recommend routine screening for hepatitis B virus in pregnancy in addition to strengthening current strategies aimed at controlling and preventing hepatitis B infection spread and transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new variant of cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) (genus: Polerovirus, family: Solemoviridae) was discovered in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields that were reported to be infested with aphids and whiteflies in southern Alabama in 2017. Prior to the confirmation of CLRDV, speculation focused on whiteflies as a potential vector of the then-unknown virus. Although the only vector reported to transmit CLRDV to cotton is the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover), two recombinant poleroviruses have been reported recently to be transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.). Due to the emergence of a new CLRDV variant in the U.S., and the recent studies on recombinant poleroviruses, conflicting messages that whiteflies and/or aphids could be transmitting CLRDV have been relayed to growers and stakeholders in the Cotton Belt. The objective of this study was to determine if A. gossypii or B. tabaci (B Mitotype) transmit CLRDV to cotton. The results demonstrated that the CLRDV-AL variant was transmissible by alate and apterous morphs of A. gossypii, but not by B. tabaci. These findings emphasize the importance of screening insect vectors for the transmission of novel plant virus variants to correctly identify the vector(s) and provide growers and stakeholders with appropriate information to make informed management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the tritrophic interactions between plant-virus-insect is important in developing sustainable pest management practices. Myzus persicae is a well-known plant viral vector which can transmit over 40 plant viruses. We studied the impact of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infection in Nicotiana tabacum on the colony development of M. persicae to understand how plant virus infection can affect vector growth and reproduction. Aphid growth, reproduction and fecundity were significantly affected by the virus infection. The mean relative growth rate of M. persicae on healthy plants was 0.29 mg–1 · mg–1 · day–1 and was significantly higher than that of CMV-infected plants (0.23 mg–1 · mg–1 · day–1). In contrast, the percentage of survival was significantly higher on CMV-infected plants. The estimated survival percentages of aphids at 20 days after introduction to CMV-infected and healthy plants were 55.8 and 25.8%, respectively. Therefore, the total population of aphids on CMV infected plants was significantly higher on the 25th day after the introduction of aphids. The total population of aphids on the CMV-infected plants was 1,225 compared to that of healthy plants which was 713. Similarly, mean fecundity over a 30 day observation period was 61.25 and 35.65 for aphids grown on CMV-infected and healthy plants, respectively. Jasmonic acid (JA) upstream gene OPR3 and downstream gene COI1 was measured to quantify the changes in JA expression in the plants under the virus infection. Both genes tested were significantly downregulated in CMV-infected plants. From our results, it was evident that the JA related insect resistance was reduced in CMV-infected plants and hence aphid colony development was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Banana is the major fruit crop produced in Ethiopia. Since Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is one of the most devastating plant viruses infecting banana, the present study was undertaken to survey and identify CMV strains infecting banana plants in Ethiopia. Dot immune-binding assay (DIBA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed the presence of CMV in all of the symptomatic samples tested. The results of sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate under study was a CMV isolate from the IB subgroup. Multiple sequence alignment revealed a three nucleotide sequence variation that could be used to distinguish CMV subgroups. Selection pressure analysis showed the CMV-RNA1 region undergoing positive selection pressure. Tajima's test of neutrality revealed a positive value of 0.86468 indicating CMV population contraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report and molecular characterization of CMV IB subgroup isolate infecting banana plants in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on six large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) collected in Indonesia. Seventy-five virus species in the liver tissue of each specimen were listed. Viral homologous sequences in the bat genome were identified from the listed viruses. This finding provides collateral evidence of viral endogenization into the host genome. We found that two of the six specimens bore partial sequences that were homologous to the plant pathogens Geminiviridae and Luteoviridae. These sequences were absent in the P. vampyrus chromosomal sequences. Hence, plant viral homologous sequences were localized to the hepatocytes as extrachromosomal DNA fragments. Therefore, this suggests that the bat is a potential carrier or vector of plant viruses. The present investigation on wild animals offered novel perspectives on viral invasion, variation, and host interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]